correct
7 synonyms and 0 antonyms for correct, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Free from mistakes; accurate or true.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use correct
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin correctus, "made straight," from corrigere, "to make right" — from com- ("together") plus regere, "to rule or guide straight".
Full origin of correct →Frequently asked questions
What does “correct” mean?
The word “correct” means free from mistakes; accurate or true. In plain terms, right or accurate, or the act of fixing something that was wrong.
How do you pronounce “correct”?
“Correct” is pronounced kuh-REHKT (/kəˈɹɛkt/ in IPA).
How do you use “correct” in a sentence?
Here is “correct” used in a sentence: “Your answer to the third question was correct.”
What part of speech is “correct”?
Depending on how it is used, “correct” can be an adjective and a verb.
Where does the word “correct” come from?
The word “correct” comes from Latin. From Latin correctus, "made straight," from corrigere, "to make right" — from com- ("together") plus regere, "to rule or guide straight".
Is “correct” a common word?
“Correct” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “correct” have?
“Correct” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: free from mistakes; accurate or true.
What is the difference between 'correct' and 'right'?
'Correct' and 'right' both mean free from error, and are often interchangeable. 'Correct' leans toward matching an agreed standard or fact — the correct answer, correct spelling. 'Right' is broader and can also carry a moral sense, as in doing the right thing, a meaning that 'correct' does not share.
What is the difference between 'correct' and 'accurate'?
'Correct' means free from mistakes — it either is or isn't. 'Accurate' means close to the true value, and allows degrees of precision. A rounded figure can be correct yet not perfectly accurate. In everyday use they overlap, but 'accurate' emphasises exactness while 'correct' emphasises being right.
What is the opposite of 'correct'?
The direct opposite of 'correct' is 'incorrect', meaning containing errors. 'Wrong', 'mistaken', 'false', and 'inaccurate' are close alternatives depending on context. A wrong answer is incorrect; a false statement is untrue. Each captures a slightly different way of failing to be right.